George E. Clemens

George Ervin Clemens was born on July 10, 1932 to Alma and David Clemens near Red Top, Minnesota.  Later his family moved to the area of East Lake where George’s ambitious reputation began.  His mother described him getting firewood quickly the first time he was asked to do so.  George’s family moved to the Crosby area when his father started working in the iron mines.  After his father died in a mining accident, George spent more time with his Aunt and Uncle – Hilma and Emil Olson.  In the early 1940’s the three of them moved to Holloway, MN where George worked hard in the grocery store and started to learn the fuel oil business.  George was baptized and later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holloway.  He attended Holloway High School and graduated in 1953.  After high school, George served in the United States Army spending most of his two years in Colorado at Fort Carson.

On September 16, 1956 George was united in marriage to Ruth (Holzhiemer) at Immanuel Lutheran Church; they were married for 59 years.  They were blessed with three sons, then three daughter-in-laws, and then three grandchildren.  Michael and Paula, along with their son Aaron, live in Sioux Falls, SD.  Douglas and Jean live in West Fargo, ND.  Edward and Pam along with their children, Victoria and Caleb, live in Sartell, MN.

George loved to work!  Eventually he took over and ran the fuel oil business along with operating a gas station, initiating an agricultural spraying enterprise and driving school bus.  He often said he would like to be a farmer so he started with pigs, moved on to cattle, got interested in buffalo and also enjoyed raising llamas!  He completed his desire to be a farmer by buying cropland and he was never happier than when he was cutting, raking, and bailing hay - especially when the equipment was working well and the weather was hot! George enjoyed talking politics and he also served the community as mayor, councilman, and county commissioner; he served on numerous boards.

From his baptism until his death George was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Here his faith was fed and he grew in the grace and mercy of Christ in worship and Bible study.  He once told a pastor “I don’t go to church for the pastor.  I go to church because my soul needs it.”  In the congregation he served through the years as Chairman, Elder, Sunday School Superintendent, volunteer cleaner, and avid promoter of the Church.  He was also active in the Lutheran Laymen’s League.  George’s family was very important to him; he was generous and eager to assist them when and however he could.  As a grandfather he relished visiting his grandkids and attending their activities.  He loved to help people of all ages and was generous with what he could do to make life better for those that needed an extra boost.

George could play too!  Suffice it to say he really enjoyed his red 1951 Harley Davidson motorcycle!  George loved to fish, though Ruth usually caught more and bigger ones than he did.  He loved to hunt deer with his boys at their cabin.  Through the years he spent time hunting pheasants, ducks, and geese.  He went on numerous moose hunts and even shot a black bear.  He dearly and deeply loved Ruth and they were a team in all of their adventures whether it included travel or challenges. George loved to tease, laugh and joke.  He wanted to enjoy life and all the blessings his Lord offered.

George was called to his heavenly home on August 22, 2017, at the age of eighty-five. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, his beloved wife - Ruth, one sister, Lorraine, and one adult brother LaVerne. George loved to work but he trusted more in the work of his Savior to secure his salvation and prepare an eternal home for him in heaven.

Blessed be the memory of George Ervin Clemens.